JOHANNESBURG — A gay couple in Malawi sentenced to 14 years in prison for “unnatural acts” was pardoned Saturday shortly after Secretary General of the met with that country’s president.
Pastor Solomon Male.
Saving Uganda From Sin - The Truth is Pastors Are Indulging in Homosexuality
The truth is that we have a problem in the church, with pastors indulging in homosexuality but the state comes up to rescue these pastors.
 |
Continued from: Saving Uganda From Sin - Anti Homosexuality Bill 2009 Founder David Bahiti |
BBC Monday, 21 July 2008
Church 'wounded' over gay boycott
Bishop de Chickera said the crisis could not be "resolved instantly"
|
Bishops attending the Lambeth Conference have heard how the row over gay clergy has left the Anglican church a "wounded community".
About 210 bishops - a quarter of those invited - have boycotted the event, following the consecration of the gay bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson.
In a pre-conference sermon, Bishop Duleep de Chickera said the boycott was an indication that "all was not well."
Critics say the conference, starting on Monday, will be unable to end the row.
Undermining unity
In his sermon, held the day before the conference formally opens on Monday, Bishop de Chickera, of Colombo, Sri Lanka, said: "The crisis is complex - it is not a crisis that can be resolved instantly.
 |
 Why have people decided that they want to change the faith that has been delivered to the saints?  Keith Ackerman
Bishop of Quincy, Illinois |
"The journey ahead is a long and complex one, a journey that will demonstrate our prayer, our faithfulness, our mutual trust in each other and of course our trust in God who realises it is possible."
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has also acknowledged that the Communion's problems are unlikely to be solved during the conference.
But he criticised those bishops who have stayed away for undermining unity.
Those who will not attend include the Anglican leaders of Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and a group of countries in southern South America.
Anglican bishops to boycott Lambeth meeting over gay row (2008)
Pastor Solomon Male is one of the activists against homosexuality in Uganda. Pastor Male together with pastor Martin Ssempa and Pastor Michael Kyazze are in court after they publicly named senior pastors they claimed are engaged in homosexuality. Male has been at the forefront of campaigns against homosexuality in Uganda and claiming that there is a movement to promote homosexuality in the country. We interviewed Male on what their concern is with homosexuals and the current debates on the issue.
Olive asks: You are among religious leaders in Uganda fighting against homosexuality. When did this all begin?
Nightlife in Singapore
Male answers: My first encounter with this was when I travelled to Singapore in 1998 for Haggai Institute to study for a course in advanced Christina leadership. During my stay there, we were taken around to some of the places there... like I was also introduced to a place called China Town where homosexuals were selling themselves. They actually encouraged us to discover what goes on in this place and encounter the challenges in comparison to what goes on back at home. While at China Town, I saw homosexuals and lesbians selling themselves while customers streamed in. I was also shocked to learn that there were bars specifically for homosexuals.
Lambeth Conferences:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thirteenth Conference (1998)
- Presided over by: Archbishop George Leonard Carey
- 749 bishops present including for the first time 11 women bishops
The most hotly debated issue at this conference was homosexuality in the Anglican Communion. It was finally decided, by a vote of 526-70, to pass a resolution (1.10) calling for a "listening process" but stating (in a section passed by a much smaller majority on a separate vote) that "homosexual practice" (not necessarily orientation) is "incompatible with Scripture". A subsequent public apology was issued to lesbian and gay Anglicans in a Pastoral Statement from 182 bishops worldwide, including 8 primates (those of Brazil, Canada, Central Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales). Division and controversy centred on this motion and its application continued to the extent that, ten years later, in 2007, Giles Goddard of Inclusive Church suggested in published correspondence with Andrew Goddard across the liberal-evangelical divide: "It’s possible to construct a perfectly coherent argument that the last 10 years have been preoccupied with undoing the damage Lambeth 1.10 caused to the Communion."
The conference is notorious for an incident in which Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma of Enugu, Nigeria attempted to exorcise the "homosexual demons" from the Reverend Richard Kirker, leader of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, who was passing out leaflets. Chukwuma told Kirker that he was "killing the church"; Kirker's civil response to the attempted exorcism was "May God bless you, sir, and deliver you from your prejudice against homosexuality."
(Male continues...)
That very year, the Anglican Communion during its Lambeth Communion for the first time had on its agenda the possibility of recognizing homosexuals as part of their flock. This was opposed by the Anglican community. But the fact that the homosexuals had succeeded on having it as part of the debate was a surprise to me and when I returned to Uganda, I expressed my concern to my colleagues and asked them to do something about it. I would share this concern in churches but people did not believe it.
Martin Ssempa turned Saturday night at MUK into prime time
New Vision, Wednesday, 4th June, 2008
Prime Time is a social vaccine to loneliness; peer pressure and the challenges linked to HIV/AIDS problems among the youth.
About 3,500 students meet every week at the university poolside to listen to a man who admits he lived a promiscuous life in his teenage years.
He is credited by the international community for his activities in transforming the lifestyle of youth in institutions of higher learning and his crusade against the HIV/AIDS and immorality.
(Male continues...)
In 2002, Pastor Martin Ssempa invited me to preach during his Prime Time hour at Makerere University and when I shared with them my views on the issue of homosexuality, two young men came to me, crying and revealed to me that they had been sodomized by two senior pastors in town (he alleges Pastor Robert Kayanja and Pastor Isaac Kiweweesi). I was shocked that members of the clergy could be involved in such acts. Having heard of more cases in the following years, I felt moved and called by God to fight this vice, which falls under cults.
Olive: What does the bible say on homosexuality?
Male: Number one, the bible condemns homosexuality. The first instances of homosexuality are recorded in Genesis chapters 18 and 19. Even the Qur’an, in the 7th Sura called Al Alff vs. 80-84 and the 11th Sura called Hood vs 74-83 and others of course. According to those scriptures, Sodom and Gomorrah were filled with homosexuals which are not only a sin but an abomination. God angrily seeing what these people were doing, sexual perversion, got fed up with them. Lot was in there and he told Abram that ‘I am going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sexual pervasion’. Abram interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah over five times and on all occasions, God said he would if he found any righteous people. He failed and destroyed the two towns. That’s why many times, when people pray for sinners, perverts and those bent on doing wrong, I disagree with them. The best thing is to reprimand them and rebuke them coz prayers never saved Sodom and Gomorrah.
(from Wikipedia)
Sodom and Gomorrah
Christian Interpretations
It is unclear from the brief passage in Genesis 19 why God destroyed the populations of the four cities. Several theories have been advanced in Christian thought, two of which are prevailing opinions of what was the sin of Sodom—a sexual and a nonsexual view.
The more prominent theory, representing orthodox Christian opinion, holds that the demand of Lot's countrymen was referring to a militant solicitation for homosexual sex—a same-sex orgy.
The contention between the two positions primarily focuses upon the meaning of the word know, in verse 5:
And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. —Gen 19:5
Those who favor the non-sexual interpretation argue against a denotation of sexual behavior in this context, noting that while the Hebrew word for know appears over 900 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, only approximately 1% (13-14 times) of those references is it clearly used as a euphemism for realizing sexual intimacy. Instead, those who hold to this interpretation usually see the demand to know as demanding the right to interrogate the strangers.
Countering this is the observation that one of the examples of "know" meaning to know sexually occurs only three verses later in the same narrative:
Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing.... —Genesis 19:8
The following is a major text in regard to these conflicting opinions:
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. —Jude 1:7
This reference to "going after strange flesh" is understood in different ways to include something akin to bestiality, having illicit sex with strangers, having sex with angels, but most often God's destruction of the populations of the four cities is interpreted to mean homosexual (same-sex) relations.
Many who interpret the stories in a non-sexual context contend that as the word for “strange” is akin to “another,” “other,” “altered” or even “next,” the meaning is unclear, and if the condemnation of Sodom was the result of sexual activities perceived to be perverse, then it is likely that it was because women sought to commit fornication with “other than human” angels, perhaps referring to Genesis 6 or the apocryphal Book of Enoch. Countering this, it is pointed out that Genesis 6 refers to angels seeking women, not men seeking angels, and that both Sodom and Gomorrah were engaged in the sin Jude describes before the angelic visitation, and that, regardless, it is doubtful that the Sodomites knew they were angels. In addition, it is argued the word used in the King James Version of the Bible for "strange," can mean unlawful or corrupted (Rm. 7:3; Gal. 1:6), and that the apocryphal book of Enoch condemns "sodomitic" sex (Enoch 10:3; 34:1), thus indicating that homosexual relations was the prevalent physical sin of Sodom.
Both the non-sexual and the homosexuality view invoke certain classical writings as well as other portions of the Bible.
Now this was the sin of Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen. —Ezekiel 16:49-50
Here the nonsexual view focuses on the inhospitality aspect, while the other notes the description detestable or abomination, the Hebrew word for which often denotes moral sins, including those of a sexual nature.
In the Gospel of Matthew (and corresponding verse) when Jesus warns of a worse judgment for some cities than Sodom, inhospitality is perceived by some as the sin, while others see it fundamentally being impenitence:
If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. --Matthew 10:14-15
The nonsexual view focuses on the cultural importance of hospitality, which this biblical story shares with other ancient civilizations, such as Greece and Rome, where hospitality was of singular importance and strangers were under the protection of the gods.
The orthodox position does not deny this important cultural aspect, but tends to see the refusal to repent as being the main issue behind Jesus's condemnation, with this being causative of the particular inhospitality shown by the cities Jesus referred to. In addition, they see the information regarding Sodom as best indicating that forced perverse sex was the specific means of inhospitality, and the primary physical sin of Sodom.
For Jewish, Islamic interpretations and more read...
(Male continues...)
The Quran in Sura 29 vs. 35 says that Sodom and Gomorrah is in the Dead Sea and what is typical of the Dead Sea, is that it is below sea level and it's water is not the best. In the Bible, Leviticus 18 v 22 says you shall not lie with a male as with a woman and indulgence is punishable by death. In Romans 1 vs. 26-27 says for this reason, it says ‘God gave them up to dishonorable passions for even their women exchanged unnatural relationships that are contrary to nature’. This addresses the lesbianism aspect. That is why all this is captured in the laws of Uganda.
But this is the same word that has been preached to the homosexuals. Why haven’t the homosexuals taken heed of the Word?
Of course the homosexuals have another interpretation of the Sodom and Gomorrah. They claim the two towns were not destroyed because of homosexuality but because of lack of hospitality when they refused to welcome the two angels whom God had sent to rescue Lot.
Actually to prove how bad homosexuality is... Lot’s wife who tried to look back was turned into a pillar of salt. Actually in my own understanding, she was a lesbian and God could not permit her to leave because she had a partner left behind.
There are claims that there are underground campaigns to recruit young people into the movement. Have you heard of this?
It is not hearsay... it is a fact. These people have come up with money. They are giving out scholarships and sponsorships, promising opportunities which the State cannot offer... which parents are not ready to offer. Many Ugandans are selfish; they have no heart for others. They shout that young people are being recruited but are doing nothing to help.
One of the cases I dealt with was when a young man revealed to me that in one of the top schools in the country, boys from rich families would pay for anal sex from other students. I’ve also talked to students at the university who have fallen under the same ring of people, who blackmail them by telling them they will not pay their tuition unless they allow to be sodomized.
I think we should stop pretending and acknowledge that things are bad in this country.
What are your thoughts on the proposed Anti Homosexuality bill?
To me, I have never supported the bill because it is diversionary and will not solve the homosexuality problem. Uganda has one of the best laws on homosexuality and yet still with one of the most congested packages of laws.
In 2007, the Penal Code was revised and defilement was categorized in different ways, among them defilement in the mouth and anus of any person below 18 years. So this addresses aggravated defilement in the proposed bill. When it comes to homosexuality where two adults consent, under our penal code, it is called a case against the order of nature and it is well catered for and defined, with a 14 year sentence. The same law applies in Malawi where two consenting adults were sentenced but the President later gave them pardon.
Alex Ntonya/Associated Press
Steven Monjeza, left, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga after being sentenced to prison in Malawi on May 20.
“These boys committed a crime against our culture, our religion and our laws,” President Bingu wa Mutharika said at a news conference in Lilongwe, the capital, before adding that he nevertheless was ordering the couple’s unconditional release on “humanitarian grounds.”
The two men, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 33, and Steven Monjeza, 26, were arrested Dec. 28, two days after holding an engagement party in Blantyre, the nation’s largest city. As a rule, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people do not dare make any public show of affection in their deeply conservative country. The event made front-page headlines in a Malawian newspaper.
On May 18, the couple was convicted of sodomy, and while the harsh sentence was generally welcomed by the Malawian public, it drew international rebuke. The nation, one of the poorest in Africa, is heavily dependent on foreign aid, and several donors suggested they might have to reconsider their generosity.
(Male continues...)
In Uganda, that law is not merely operationalized... Why? What I have discovered is many of these homosexuals have the patronage of the state. They are covered up; campaign for candidates and fund them. Some of them are actually expatriates and are here.
Also, how can you say that the aim of the bill is to protect the traditional heterosexual marriage yet the same Parliament is coming up with the Marriage and Divorce bill whose aim is to make divorce easier? The bill defines premises for divorce even where traditionally there used not to be divorce. Biblically, divorce is not permitted. The Muslims disagreed with the bill. So how do you claim that you are protecting marriages when there is another bill to destroy the same? It is contradictory and the objective is wrong.
On the death sentence on aggravated homosexuality, my argument is for the last 20 years, though we have the death sentence in the laws, we have not had a known execution so why should we have this hullabaloo?
Do you think the justice systems have worked in regard to the available laws on homosexuality?
People are disappointed by the systems that are supposed to enforce the law and ensure justice and redress. They have no confidence in the police, the judiciary and the DPP and have voted a no confidence in the systems.
Now if you come up with a death sentence for homosexuality, do you think it will work? We have the death sentence for murder but people still kill. Kajubi was accused of murdering a young boy but he is out of jail. Has anyone been convicted? No. How many people have killed and are still at large or taken the law in their hands? And this has generated controversy for nothing and we have now lost focus on sensitization so that young men and women don’t indulge in the act because it is dangerous.
I feel that sensitizing and equipping the masses if far more important and better than coming with a law where we have a stinking Police and Judiciary... where small fish end up in the court and the big fish get away with it. Justice is now for the privileged. You suffer under the hands of the law, even when you are innocent.
The church has come under attack over allegedly covering up acts of homosexuality and you are one of the senior church leaders at the forefront of this battle. Have you achieved anything?
Uganda's Pastor Solomon Male.
We have been battling in the church and because of that, I have been dragged into the courts of law and police. The truth is that we have a problem in the church, with pastors indulging in homosexuality but the state comes up to rescue these pastors. We have a case in court involving some of these pastors but the case has been turned against us now and we are now being questioned for accusing them of the act. But this will not deter our efforts in fighting the vice as we are committed to our cause.
You have counseled some of these people. How many?
So many, I cannot even remember the numbers. Many young men have come to me with their testimonies on how they were sodomized by their peers, colleagues, fellow students and even pastors.
Some of them had threatened to commit suicide, fearing reprisal from their family and friends but I have been able to counsel them to live positively. Many are living a normal life now and have joined me in trying to dissuade others still engaged in the acts to leave.
What message are you telling Ugandans on the issue of homosexuality?
Ugandans need to understand the signs of indulgence in homosexuality. How do you tell that someone is a homosexual? Check out their behavior; dressing, postures, type of jewellery, outlook. If people can at least start suspecting, it will go a long way in fighting the vice as people will tend to avoid and alienate them.
People should also be sympathetic to the victims of homosexuality through counseling. Do not rebuke them for being victimized and look at bringing them back to normal life since they have been abused. We should also look at helping them get back on course so that he/she does not indulge in vengeance on those who committed the acts.
Sensitizing and equipping the public to know the dangers of indulgence in these acts will also help parents deal with their children who may go astray or are pulled towards such acts. Fore warned is fore armed. There are those who do not know the dangers of homosexuality on their health such as hemorrhoids, oral gonorrhea, and cancer of the private parts and rectal prolapse... among others.
There are married women being sodomized by their husbands but are quiet and similarly, there are married women who also indulge in lesbianism. This is common among the intellectual class.
People think we are interfering with people’s privacy but we have reason to fight this vice, which wants to destroy our nation. Homosexuality is not a right but a hazard... health-wise, an abomination when it comes to our culture... and also to our spiritual background.
I will continue to fight on, whether alone or with those who support me.
 |
Continued: Saving Uganda From Sin - Blurring the Line Between Church and State |
Related Articles
Olive Eyotaru Yemima is a graduate of Mass Communication. She first worked with Ultimate Media in 2005 as an intern and returned in 2007 as a features writer.
A Ugandan talented creative writer, Eyotaru now writes for both the local and international media and continues to shine in the media every day that passes.
